Fresh off its mid-cycle update, the BMW 7 Series is once again the center of rumors, this time in the context of the new swath of M-branded vehicles that BMW is set to unleash upon the world. The rumor was dropped by German blog BimmerToday, and suggests that an M750i would join the ranks of the M550d, X5 M50d, and M135i. This seems rather plausible, as BMW has long been hesitant to produce an out-and-out M7 performance saloon.

If the rumors are to be believed, the M-variant 7 Series would have a version of the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently in the 750i, but tuned to 450 horsepower. Power would be sent to either the rear wheels or all corners via BMW's xDrive. The question remains, though, what would happen to the Alpina B7 if this car were to come to market? All the added power and handling seems to fall right on top of the B7's piece of the 7 Series pie. Its future would remain to be seen.

Also in the rumor-mongering was word that there could be an entry-level 728i, employing BMW's N20B20 turbocharged 2.0-liter mill, albeit with the help of an electric motor. Such a vehicle would be slotted below the current 740i and positioned to take on small-displacement hybrid flagships from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Remember to take these reports with perhaps a few grains of salt; but its interesting to consider the possibility of BMW expanding the 7 Series lineup in both directions.

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I just want them to do a legitimate 7er M, including a long-wheelbase variant. You know, a true competitor to the S63/65. Same goes for Audi. An RS8 L. You don't think a market for that exists? I call bullshit.

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Europe has always gotten more engine selections
Case in point in the E38 Europe got 6cyl, V8 and V12 motors while the USA ONLY got the V8 (740) and V12 (750), both engines being gas
The European models were 725(diesel),
728 (6),
730, 740, 735 (V8)
750 (V12)
They finally decided to go with the lower engines in the 7 for the USA also

In Europe there are many larger vehicles with four cylinder power that would only come with a V6 or larger in the US.
Acceleration really isn't everything, and with a vehicle of this caliber you can be damn sure they tuned out nearly 100% of the NVH that a 4 pot would bring.

Small-engine hybrid, smart. M7, dumb.
Few 7-series drivers take their 7s to track days. They can afford to have M3s for that. BMW should leave the hot 7s to Alpina but they won't. The X5 M & X6 M were dumb ideas also but they seem to be selling every one they can make.

I once owned a Jetta with the 2.0T motor. Nice economical 4 cyl car that had some pizzaz. But - the 4 banger sound was acceptable as it was a VW. I just drove the BMW X1 with the 4 banger. Same sound as my Jetta. Something about a BMW with a tag of 43K to make me say "I don't like the engine sound". I could go the 6 cyl mill for 8K more ... but now ... 50K for a little X1? Now they would put that mill in a 7!!?? Maybe the CAFE standards mandate these little motors; but I'm keeping what I've got. 6 cyl BMW's forever!